art by Debbie Hughes Rooney

(POINT PLEASANT BOROUGH, NJ) -- – The Ocean County Library Point Pleasant Borough Branch is pleased to display works by members of the Laurelton Art Society throughout the month of October 2024. Contributing artists include Victoria Alexandros, Mary Jo Austin, Patricia Monto Autore, Robert D'Imperio, Mike Dreher, Ray Thomas Egeland, Dawn Eickman, Diane Gordon Eleneski, Joy Krais, Laurie Lewczyk, Laura Lutz, Philomena Markiewicz, Valerie Morone, Arlene Newman, Debbie Hughes Rooney, Melinda Saminski, Kami Simpson, Norene Stanish-Kaplan and Ilene Van Duyne.

The Brick Township-based Society is in its 44th year and attracts established and new artists from all parts of Ocean County. Society President Patricia Monto Autore says that she seeks to amplify the works of professionals and to encourage development of new artists.

“Our primary focus is to bring awareness of one’s artistic ability to the general community regardless of age or disability,” she remarked, “to provide guidance to foster confidence for budding artists and…to satisfy those who have been painting and exhibiting for years.”

Art by Melinda Saminski

Meetings take place on the second Saturday of each month, September through June, in Ivy Hall of the First Baptist Church of Laurelton, Route 88 in Brick.

The organization holds free monthly demonstrations in various media, open to the public, and free professional workshops during its annual Festival of Art in the OCL Brick Branch. A five-hour workshop each March at the Society’s home base carries a nominal fee.

art by Norene Stanish-Kaplan

“Our goal is to encourage our members to try new mediums,” Patricia said. “To express themselves in directions they never thought would interest them.”

The public is invited to enjoy an Artists’ Reception on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The reception is sponsored by the Friends of the Point Pleasant Borough Branch, volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

The exhibit and the Artists Reception are free and open to the public during Branch operating hours. For more details, stop by the OCL Point Pleasant Borough Branch, 834 Beaver Dam Road, visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events or call (732) 295-1555.

OCL turns 100 in 2025 and you’re why we’re celebrating! Watch for details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and https://theoceancountylibrary.org.

art by Mary Jo Austin